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QUOTE

We Pray for Reform

For the families left behind that desperately miss a loved
one. For the mamas who worry when the woman you brought into this world hasn’t
been heard from in too long. For the wives waiting for money from the States but missing the partner who should
be at the table.For the babies who’ve not met their papis. For the teenagers
who respect the sacrifice, but barely remember their mama’s touch. We pray for reform.

For the communities missing their workers, watching the leaders
leave for better opportunities. For the hometowns that cannot support their
sons and daughters. For the neighborhoods missing the presence of their people.
We pray for reform.

For the mothers who leave their children behind to take the
best care of their children that they can. For the young men who steel
themselves to quiet their nerves. For the sojourners who suffer dehydration,
injury and pain. For those who are victimized. We pray for reform.

For the coyotes that guide the vulnerable to safety. For the
coyotes that exploit and betray. We pray for reform.

For those who’ve lost a loved one in the wake of a broken
immigration system. For those in need of peace and comfort and provision. We
pray for reform.

For the pastors who listen to stories of heart-break and
horror, who simmer in frustration at the pain into which they’ve entered. For
the neighbors who seek resources, offer hospitality and share in friendship. For
the service professionals that look the other way, practice radical generosity,
traffic in hope. We pray for reform.

For the employers that make a space, offer opportunities and
believe in their people. For the bosses that swim in the power and feel secure in
the fear that they can create. For the employers that don’t know what to do, but
know they need the help. We pray for reform.

For those who are lonely so far from home. For those with great potential feeling stifled.
For those making poor choices in their new country. For those risking their
lives in dangerous occupations. For those suffering indignity. We pray for reform.

For the students completing degrees they aren’t yet allowed
to use. For the citizens fearing a spouse will be deported. For the children
worried about a parent or a grandparent. We pray for reform.

For the legislators truly seeking the lines between
hospitality, economics and order. For the politicians holding families hostage to try to
win political games. For the advocates on Capitol Hill. We pray for reform.

For a country denying the foreigners and withholding welcome. For a society missing opportunities to experience the gifts of
those who have come. For communities and churches and neighbors welcoming the
strangers. We pray for reform.

Because we are all tied together in the single garment of destiny. Because the Bible tells us to love our neighbors. Because we are all made in the image of God. We pray for reform.